operating independently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "operating independently" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where an entity functions without reliance on others or external control. Example: "The satellite is operating independently, collecting data and transmitting it back to Earth without any assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A senior Pentagon official underscored that the American military personnel would not be operating independently nor carrying out unilateral operations.

The New York Times

"He is operating independently of the justice department.

The Guardian

Past attacks have been linked to hackers operating independently.

The Washington Post

They're successfully operating independently now, but that wasn't the plan.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Prosecutors said they seemed to be operating independently of Al Qaeda or any organized terrorist group.

The New York Times

"It is now 18 months since the Post Office began operating independently of Royal Mail.

The Guardian - Business

Operating independently, Mr. Erskine said, "we'll have more freedom, and more focus".

The New York Times

After a 10-year apprenticeship, Mr. Pilco bought his own tools and began operating independently.

The New York Times

The Navy Yard is comprised primarily of corporations operating independently from each other.

Cornell University

Companies operating independently with smaller fighter programs include France's Dassault and Sweden's Saab.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Each mover operates independently.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing entities that function without external control or assistance, use "operating independently" to convey autonomy and self-reliance. For instance, "The new branch is operating independently of the main office."

Common error

Avoid using "operating independently" when the entity is still subject to high-level oversight or strategic direction. The phrase implies a significant degree of autonomy, so ensure the context accurately reflects this.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "operating independently" functions as a verb phrase, describing the manner in which an entity performs its activities. According to Ludwig AI, it accurately portrays a state of autonomy.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "operating independently" is a versatile expression signifying autonomy and self-reliance. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and appropriate for use across diverse contexts, from describing businesses to technological systems. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media sources, followed by scientific and academic publications. When aiming for clarity and precision, ensure that the entity in question genuinely possesses the capacity to function without external oversight. Alternatives such as "functioning autonomously" or "acting on its own", can provide nuanced substitutes depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

functioning autonomously

Emphasizes self-governance and automaticity in operation.

working autonomously

Highlights the independent nature of the work being performed.

acting on its own

Focuses on the lack of external influence or control.

performing independently

Highlights the independent execution of a task or activity.

running solo

Suggests a singular, individual operation without assistance.

self-sufficiently operating

Combines independence with the capability to provide for oneself.

operating in isolation

Implies a separation from other entities or systems.

operating off-grid

Specifically refers to operating without reliance on external utilities or networks.

going it alone

An informal expression indicating a decision to proceed without support.

freelancing

Commonly used in a business context to describe someone offering their services independently, often on multiple projects

FAQs

How can I use "operating independently" in a sentence?

You can use "operating independently" to describe something or someone functioning without external control. For example, "The new satellite is "operating independently" of ground control after its initial setup."

What are some alternatives to "operating independently"?

Depending on the specific meaning you want to convey, you could use phrases like "functioning autonomously", "working alone", or "acting on its own".

Is it redundant to say "operating completely independently"?

While not strictly incorrect, "completely" can be redundant, as "operating independently" already implies a significant degree of autonomy. The best option depends on how much you want to emphasize the independence.

What is the difference between "operating independently" and "operating separately"?

"Operating independently" implies autonomy and self-reliance, while "operating separately" simply suggests a physical or organizational distinction. Two departments can "operate separately" but not "operate independently" if they report to the same manager.